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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.